If you are anything like me, you love watching your students grow and develop their skills. But sometimes, despite these growing skills, you are frustrated by simple things like messy handwriting. I know I’m not alone in this because I have had many discussions with teachers about this topic. I’ve even had upper elementary teachers ask me why my kindergarten class has better handwriting. The answer is a simple one – consistent handwriting practice and review of handwriting expectations.

Now, before you email me about how you don’t have time to teach handwriting, just keep reading. Weaving handwriting practice into classroom activities you are already doing is a great way to help your students improve their handwriting. And. . . this improvement will save you lots of time when it comes to grading their work.

I’ve compiled a list of engaging activities and practical suggestions that can weave handwriting practice into your DAILY classroom routine. Intrigued? Continue reading to find out more.

What is Handwriting Practice?

Handwriting refers to the skill of writing, specifically using a pen or pencil to form letters and words on paper. It is a fundamental aspect of communication. It also plays a crucial role in the educational development of students, particularly during their early elementary school years.

Focusing on handwriting during the beginning years of elementary school is essential because it builds and improves:

• Fine Motor Control
• Literacy Skills
• Communication and Expression
• Confidence and Independence

The Difference Between Teaching “Handwriting” and “Writing“

While the terms “writing” and “handwriting” are often used interchangeably, they refer to very different skills. Handwriting skills, as mentioned above, refer specifically to the process of forming individual letters and compiling those letters into words. The actual formation of letters and numbers, where the writing sits on the line, and spacing between characters and words are all skills that fall under handwriting. Handwriting means students are using a writing tool like a pencil or pen – that is not technology.

Writing skills, on the other hand, encompass the ability to formulate ideas and convey them through the act of writing. It focuses on content, structure, conventions, and voice. It is the process of taking thoughts and ideas from the brain and putting them onto paper and into written communication. Learning to write sentences, a paragraph, or a research paper are all part of writing skills.

While both handwriting and writing are essential for effective written communication, it is crucial to clarify the differences between them.

Teach These Skills Separately

When it comes to teaching these skills it is important that we do NOT put handwriting and writing into the same lesson. Proper handwriting, letter and number formation, spacing, etc. requires direct instruction and practice that you can’t get when the brain is focused on turning thoughts into words. So until students have shown mastery of the handwriting skills, you are best to keep them separate. This applies as students are learning to print and again as students are learning to write in cursive.

By focusing solely on the process of handwriting, students can effectively enhance their legibility without the added pressure of content or structure. This approach allows students to build muscle memory, improve fine motor skills, and develop letter recognition. All of which are essential building blocks for developing fluent, legible handwriting. With a clear understanding of the difference between writing and handwriting, students can focus on each skill independently.

And…you can focus on teaching your students the process of writing without feeling overwhelmed by also trying to fit in letter formation. Once you are confident that students are comfortable with handwriting skills, you can incorporate legible handwriting as one of your expectations for writing activities. Just don’t try to teach them at the same time.

Incorporate Handwriting Practice into Your Daily Routine

Throughout my time in the classroom, I’ve learned how to (and how not to) incorporate handwriting practice into my daily schedule. There are a variety of ideas and activities that can improve handwriting skills that can be easily woven into the day. The following are a few of my favorites.

1. Daily Practice Time

Daily practice might sound a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In as little as 5 minutes a day, you can help your students improve their handwriting skills.

Try setting aside just 5-10 minutes each day for focused handwriting practice. During this time, it is essential to prioritize correct handwriting formation. Encourage students to hold their writing tool correctly and form each letter with correct strokes, maintaining consistent size.

Another alternative approach is to use a set number of writing tasks instead of a specific amount of time. By assigning a predetermined number of words or lines to write, students maintain a level of focus while still making progress in developing their skills.

Where Do You Find the Time?

When do you have 5-10 “extra” minutes in your day? I have found that there are parts of my day to practice handwriting that can be very beneficial to both my students and myself. A few of my favorite times to incorporate handwriting practice are:

Morning Work

Use your morning routine as handwriting practice time. Each morning students will work on a handwriting activity. You might use a handwriting worksheet, a workbook, or a journal. But every morning students know that this is where they begin after they unpack. This is a quiet and engaging activity that will improve your students’ skills while preparing them for the day ahead.

Read Aloud

I loved doing this with my students, especially when I taught 3rd grade! Since I knew that students didn’t handwriting instruction, but instead needed time to focus on legibility, they could easily work on this while I was reading. I would read aloud a chapter (or two) and during this time my students would practice their handwriting skills. I would project a simple paragraph or passage on the board and students would copy it into their handwriting journal.

End of Day

If you’re anything like me, by the end of the day you are completely exhausted and your students tend to be a little on the crazy side. I loved using this time to practice handwriting skills! This way your students are engaged and not bouncing off the walls while waiting to go home. It is also an easy-to-clean-up activity! Students just put supplies back into their desks/cubbies on their way out the door!

#TeacherTip: Try adding quiet music for an extra engagement factor!

2. Consistent Handwriting Centers

Do you have centers set up in your classroom? Try incorporating a dedicated handwriting center. Not only does this save you time when planning centers, but it also offers numerous advantages for students.

This strategy works well with classrooms that use center-based learning, small groups, or free-choice activities. A handwriting center is one that your students will rotate through just like they do literacy and math centers. You can easily add handwriting practice worksheets to this center or increase engagement by using laminated handwriting pages or cards and dry erase markers.

And. . . since you know that you always have a handwriting center, it will save you time in your planning and prepping. This dedicated activity not only promotes consistency but also encourages students to take ownership of their handwriting improvement.

3. Connect Handwriting Practice with Other Skills

I like to integrate handwriting practice with sight words, spelling words, or seasonal vocabulary words. Any time that repetition is helpful in learning to read or spell the word, you have the opportunity for a good handwriting connection activity.

Doing this has proven to bring about numerous benefits for students. By combining handwriting practice with other skills, students not only improve their handwriting proficiency but also reinforce important literacy concepts.

For sight words and spelling words, I have students write the words multiple times to reinforce recognition and increase fluency. They often do this in numerous ways to keep the repetition from getting boring.

For seasonally-themed words, I have found that students love writing the word and drawing a picture of the word to create a personal dictionary. This tool can then be used as they are writing stories. By connecting vocabulary and handwriting students are not only improving their handwriting but they are also developing a stronger oral and written vocabulary.

4. Copywork Exercises

One effective approach I enjoy using with my students after I know they have learned proper formation is to provide them with short passages or sentences to copy. This can start with our youngest writers using only letters or simple words. As students’ handwriting and reading skills develop, this can gradually increase in complexity. The primary focus of these copywork activities should be on correct letter formation and neatness, rather than the amount copied.

You can create an actual copywork worksheet or simply project a passage on the board and have students copy it onto their paper. Here’s a great example of a Copywork Resource that you can use with young students. These pages focus on one sentence and have appropriate phonics skills connected so that students can read what they are writing.

For older students, you can choose a poem, lyrics from a song, a historical passage, or a joke. Even better, choose a story and have them copy a small portion each day. By the end of the week or month, they will have the full story written out in their best handwriting. To reward a job well done allow them to illustrate the story and even create a cover for their handwritten “book.”

#TeacherTip: When creating your own copywork pages, use a font that offers an age-appropriate writing line and proper letter formation. One of my favorite print fonts is the KG Primary Penmanship Lined Font by Kimberly Geswein Fonts. For cursive writing, I like the font DNCursive by School Fonts.

5. Draw & Write

Looking for a handwriting activity that will engage your students? Check out Draw & Write! Students love to draw and these pages incorporate step-by-step drawing instruction along with a sentence to trace and copy. When you have your students draw and write, it is a great way to transform handwriting practice into an engaging and creative activity. This creative approach to handwriting practice not only motivates students but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

I love the seasonal nature of these pages. It is an easy way to weave in handwriting practice while also connecting it to real life. To add an extra element of fun, students can color their pictures once they have completed the handwriting task. Students will color their picture according to the sentence they wrote. This gives you a great quick-check for reading comprehension too!

TRY DRAW AND WRITE FOR FREE!

Grab this free Winter Draw and Write resource that is perfect for students of all ages! It includes trace and write options in both print and cursive.

More Easy Ways to Weave in Handwriting Practice

Handwriting Races

Handwriting can be a friendly competition! Divide your class into teams and give each team a set of letters, words, or sentences to write. The team that completes the task with the most precision and in the fastest time will win!

Handwriting Relays

This is a relay race where the teams will take turns writing a letter, word, or sentence on a whiteboard. Each student will continue where the previous student left off creating a collaborative handwriting piece. The team with the neatest, most legible writing will win.

Handwriting Scavenger Hunts

Create a hunt where students will search for specific words written around the classroom. Provide a checklist and when they find the word, they will copy it neatly onto their scavenger hunt page. This activity combines both handwriting practice with movement making it extra engaging.

Doodle Words

Creativity meets handwriting practice. This activity encourages students to create doodles using words. Provide students with a list of words related to a specific topic or theme. Students must begin by writing the word in their very best handwriting. Then, challenge your students to illustrate the word by doodling on or around the word and turning it into a picture. It’s very helpful to have them write the word in a color that they will not use as part of their doodles so that the word always stands out.

Above All, Consistent Prioritization!

At the end of the day, consistency is the key to helping our students improve their handwriting. With a little planning, you can weave a few minutes of daily handwriting practice into your daily routine. Choose one of the ideas above or mix and match to add some variety. Whatever you do, make adding handwriting a priority to your daily schedule.

Save these Ideas for Daily Handwriting Practice

Remember, the key to helping students improve their handwriting is to make handwriting practice enjoyable and meaningful for students. Start by incorporating these types of activities into your daily routine and watch your student’s handwriting shine! Make sure you pin this post to your favorite classroom Pinterest boards to revisit each year!